Olympic halfpipe champion Ayumu Hirano of Japan has indicated he will attempt to defend his title at next week's Milan Cortina Games despite recent severe injuries. The 27-year-old suffered a broken nose and pelvis in a fall during a contest in Switzerland last month. He expressed confidence in his preparation during an update from Livigno, Italy.
In Livigno, Italy, on February 6, Olympic halfpipe champion Ayumu Hirano provided a brief update on his recent injuries, suggesting he aims to defend his title at the Milan Cortina Games next week. The 27-year-old took a severe fall at a snowboard contest in Switzerland last month, with his trainer reporting on social media that he broke his nose and pelvis. In a statement released by the Ski Association of Japan, Hirano said, “I just have to trust what I’ve built up to this point so far and ride the way I’m capable of riding.”
Hirano won gold at the Beijing Olympics, adding to two silvers from previous Games. He was seen as the main rival to Shaun White and narrowly lost to him in a tense 2018 Pyeongchang contest. Four years later, he secured victory by landing a triple cork—three head-over-heels flips—to edge out Scotty James. The Olympics.com website notes that Hirano could become the first Japanese Winter Olympian to medal in four consecutive Games.
“I think it’s been a process of coming to terms with myself and recognising what I needed to work on,” Hirano said. “I’ve always felt like the challenger, so not a lot has changed about me as far as I’m concerned. I hope to be myself, just give it everything I’ve got.” Official halfpipe training begins Sunday, with men's qualifying scheduled for next Wednesday.
Despite the injuries, Hirano's determination remains strong, raising anticipation for his performance at the Olympics.
